What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer rates expressed in gigabytes per second (GB/s) into IDE (PIO mode 4) timing mode units. It assists users in comparing modern throughput speeds with older ATA/IDE hardware timings for diagnostic and benchmarking purposes.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer speed value in gigabyte per second (GB/s).
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Select the source unit as gigabyte/second [GB/s].
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Choose the target unit IDE (PIO mode 4).
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Click the convert button to view the corresponding IDE (PIO mode 4) value.
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Review example results and use the conversion for hardware assessment or benchmarking.
Key Features
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Quickly converts gigabyte per second (GB/s) values to IDE (PIO mode 4) units.
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Supports comparison between modern data transfer rates and legacy IDE timing modes.
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Provides example calculations to illustrate conversion results.
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Browser-based interface for instant use without installation.
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Clarifies unit distinctions relevant to data transfer and hardware diagnostics.
Examples
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0.5 GB/s equals approximately 32.34 IDE (PIO mode 4).
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2 GB/s converts to about 129.37 IDE (PIO mode 4).
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Use the formula: 1 GB/s = 64.6832424096 × IDE (PIO mode 4) to calculate other values.
Common Use Cases
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Comparing throughput of modern storage devices to legacy ATA/IDE hardware.
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Configuring and diagnosing older IDE/ATA drives in legacy PC and embedded systems.
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Benchmarking historical storage devices when assessing hardware upgrades.
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Maintaining compatibility in retro-computing or industrial environments using older ATA timing modes.
Tips & Best Practices
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Clarify whether a decimal gigabyte (GB) or binary gibibyte (GiB) is intended before converting.
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Use conversions to understand relative performance differences rather than exact speeds.
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Consider hardware and CPU overhead factors, since IDE (PIO mode 4) is a timing mode, not a fixed throughput unit.
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Apply conversions within contexts of legacy system maintenance and benchmarking.
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 4) represents a timing mode rather than a precise throughput measurement.
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Maximum theoretical throughput for IDE (PIO mode 4) is about 16.7 MB/s, limiting practical high-rate conversions.
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Conversion accuracy depends on clarifying the gigabyte definition (decimal GB vs binary GiB).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does 1 gigabyte per second (GB/s) represent?
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It denotes the transfer of one gigabyte of data every second, based on either decimal (10^9 bytes) or binary definitions depending on the context.
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Is IDE (PIO mode 4) a unit of data or a timing mode?
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IDE (PIO mode 4) is a programmed input/output timing mode used in older ATA/IDE drives and specifies CPU-controlled data transfer timing rather than a physical data unit.
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Why convert GB/s to IDE (PIO mode 4)?
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Converting helps compare modern data transfer speeds with legacy hardware timings, useful for diagnostics, benchmarking, and maintaining compatibility in retro systems.
Key Terminology
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Gigabyte per second (GB/s)
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A unit measuring data transfer rate, representing one gigabyte of data transferred every second, with variations between decimal and binary definitions.
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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An ATA/IDE Programmed Input/Output timing mode where the CPU manages data transfers directly, used in older storage devices with a maximum theoretical speed around 16.7 MB/s.
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ATA/IDE
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A standard interface for connecting storage devices, with legacy timing modes such as PIO mode 4 to control data transfer processes.